State Representative and Chair of the House State and Local Government Committee Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) today announced that the Ohio House passed House Bill 94, legislation that would make February “Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.”

Dating violence can be physical, emotional, or sexual in nature, and often cases go unreported. According to sponsor testimony, teen dating violence is common among high school students who dated, 21% of females and 10% of males experience some form of partner violence.

“Violence between intimate partners is not a problem that is limited solely to people of one age group,” said Rep. Anielski. “It is often difficult for abused partners in any relationship to seek help for themselves or their loved ones. The awareness month will serve to bring awareness to the general population that violence does take place in teen relationships, that there are others across the state who have suffered, and that there are resources available for all victims.”

One of the most complex yet important matters we cover at the state and federal levels of government is health care. The health and wellness of all Ohioans is crucial, but the topic encompasses a wide array of stakeholders—the patients themselves, doctors, hospital administrators, pharmacists, drug and medical equipment manufacturers, and more. We must take into consideration the perspectives of all interested parties to ensure health care remains affordable and accessible for everyone.

During this winter season, several specialized committees—task forces created by the Speaker of the House—have been meeting across Ohio to address specific policy areas. These task forces focus on Ohio’s most pressing issues, including the heroin and opioid crisis, energy policy, Alzheimer’s and dementia, education and poverty, and BRAC and military affairs. As the committees wrap up their research, I wanted to give you an update on the work they’ve been doing.

State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) was sworn in yesterday as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 132nd General Assembly. She represents the 6th Ohio House District, which includes the south-east portion of Cuyahoga County, for a fourth term.